The most discussed stories yesterday (4/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Israel’s Lebanon Attacks
Trump-Vance vs The Pope
Trump Threatens Jerome Powell
New Jersey Special Election
Labor Secretary Investigation
Media sales executive John Murphy is named vice president of strategic partnerships for Crossover Media Group. The move marks a reunion for Murphy with members of the Crossover Media Group team, with whom he’s worked as both a partner and a client. Most recently, Murphy served as senior vice president of content monetization at Veritone. In his new 
role with Crossover, Murphy will work to secure new content as well as to expand the company’s client portfolio. Crossover managing member Sue Freund says, “We’ve known and worked with John for many years; his excellent relationships throughout the content and advertising communities make him a tremendous addition to our team in building strategic partnerships with clients, agencies, and content providers as we continue to grow. He has a proven track record of building high-performing sales organizations, monetizing premium content, and delivering performance-driven advertising solutions for brands, agencies and media partners.” Murphy comments, “I’m excited to be joining Crossover Media Group. The team has built a strong reputation for delivering results-driven solutions for both creators and advertisers, and I look forward to contributing to that momentum. There’s a clear opportunity to unlock new growth across partnerships, and I’m eager to help scale the business while driving meaningful value for clients.”
Seaboard Networks announces it is completing a deal to distribute the syndicated political interview talk show, “The Killer Carl Program.” The
show is hosted by Carl “Killer Carl” Brown and has been on the air for almost a decade and is part of the John Frederick Radio Network. Seaboard marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei says, “We welcome all shows that affiliates will desire. Carl seems to put his own views and thoughts first, and they are not based on just ideology. That is refreshing.” The program currently airs on stations throughout America including WJFM, Richmond; WJFV, Norfolk; WBRG, Lynchburg; and WLMB, Atlanta.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
U.S.-Israel-Iran War / U.S. Blockade
Trump-Vance vs The Pope
Looming Expiration of FISA 702
Swalwell & Gonzales Exit Congress
Trump Threatens to Fire Jerome Powell
Today’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group reviews the annual study it commissions from Advertiser Perceptions in which it surveys brands and media agencies on the sales contribution of five advertising effectiveness factors: brand, creative, reach, recency, and targeting. As in the past marketers and media agencies massively
understate the immense sales effect power of creative. Some 122 marketers placed creative as the third most important contributor toward driving sales behind targeting and brand. But the reality based on analysis of 450 ad campaigns indicates creative is far and away the most important driver of sales. Both marketers and agencies place the greatest importance on targeting. Experts caution that too narrow targeting is ineffective. See the full blog post here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The most discussed stories over the weekend (4/11-12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Iran Negotiations / U.S. to Blockade Strait of Hormuz
Swalwell Scandal
Trump vs The Pope / Trump-as-Christ AI Post
Orban Ousted
Epstein Files-Melania
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Legal Group, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
The rise of independent, talk show-style political commentary on YouTube has created a new class of media actors who do not see themselves as broadcasters, journalists, or publishers. They see themselves as creators. That distinction is real in terms of identity, tone, and platform. It is not real where it matters most: liability.
The difference exists in how the work is produced and presented. It disappears the moment the content is published.
In practice, these creators are engaging in acts that courts have long recognized as publication. They are selecting topics, framing narratives, editing clips, and distributing content to large audiences. Those decisions are not neutral. They are editorial.
The absence of FCC regulation in this space has created a persistent misunderstanding. Traditional broadcasters operate under a regulatory framework that includes licensing and content restrictions. Independent creators do not. But the lack of FCC oversight does not reduce exposure. It removes one layer of regulation while leaving the core legal risk fully intact.
Defamation law applies equally to both groups. A false statement of fact about a real person that causes reputational harm can give rise to liability whether it is spoken on a licensed radio station or uploaded to a monetized YouTube channel. The standards may differ depending on whether the subject is a public or private figure, but the underlying obligation remains the same: accuracy matters.
There is no YouTube exception. There is no creator carveout. The law does not care how the content was distributed, what the platform calls you, or how you see yourself. It cares who made the statement, who chose to publish it, and whether it was false.
The structure of YouTube content introduces additional risk. Many creators rely on rapid production cycles and clip-based commentary. This increases the likelihood of error, particularly when context is compressed or omitted. Editing choices that seem minor from a production standpoint can materially change meaning, which is precisely the type of conduct that courts examine in defamation and false light claims.
Monetization further complicates the analysis. Revenue from ads, memberships, or sponsorships strengthens the argument that content is commercial in nature. That does not eliminate First Amendment protections, but it can influence how a court evaluates intent and reasonableness.
There is also a tendency to assume that platform norms provide a form of protection. If a piece of content is allowed to remain online, or even promoted by an algorithm, it can feel implicitly validated. That assumption is misplaced. Platform enforcement decisions are not legal determinations. They are business judgments.
The most important point is simple and often overlooked. Liability does not turn on intent. It turns on what was said, whether it was false, and whether reasonable steps were taken to verify it.
The platform may change how content looks. It may change how fast it spreads. It may change who gets to participate.
It does not change the consequences of getting it wrong.
Time passes. Technology and fancy packaging change. Exposure and liability do not.
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises talk show hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonLegalGroup.com or read more at TALKERS.com.
Noted “public intellectual” and longtime talk media guest Dr. Murray Sabrin has launched a weekly video podcast titled, “Health, Wealth, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” In it, he interviews experts and colorful figures from the worlds of health care, finance, and politics in addition to sharing his own commentaries. A prolific author, Substack columnist, and public speaker, Sabrin has been one of the most sought-after guests in news/talk media for the past three decades. He is one of America’s most visible experts on libertarianism and free market economics – ideologies that have strong followings within the influential arena of talk radio. Sabrin is emeritus professor of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey, an associate scholar at the Mises Institute, and a former Libertarian Party standard bearer for governor in the Garden State. He is the founder of a grassroots movement, “Make Americans Financially Independent (MAFI)” – a counterpoint to the present tendency toward runaway, unconstitutional government spending that has led the U.S. to take on trillions of dollars in stifling debt. Sabrin’s guest on the debut installment of the podcast is psychotherapist Joe Sansone. To view the podcast, please click here. To book Dr. Sabrin as a guest, please call Victoria Jones at 917-865-3991 or email: victoria@dcradiocompany.com.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/6-10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Audacy says that based on a study by Alter Agents that it commissioned, 84% of respondents placed their confidence in all-news radio for local news and information – outpacing both broadcast TV and social media. This comes at a time when Americans report low confidence in traditional media. Additionally, while cable news audiences skew either heavily
conservative or liberal – depending on the channel – all-news radio’s audience is almost perfectly balanced. Audacy adds that it matters when it comes to election season. “While most national news platforms reach consumers who already lean one way or another, all-news radio’s neutrality makes listeners more willing to hear a message – even from a candidate they might initially distrust. The Alter Agents study found that 77% of listeners considered all-news advertisers to be ‘trustworthy’ simply by running adjacent to the content.” See the full story here.
Cumulus Media’s Albuquerque news/talk News Radio KKOB – in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America – announces “250 Flags,” a statewide initiative designed to recognize and honor 250 individuals who make New Mexico stronger every day. The station is asking listeners across New Mexico to nominate someone they believe deserves recognition. Honorees can be anyone, living or
deceased, known or unknown, in New Mexico who has made a meaningful impact on their community, through service, leadership, sacrifice, or simply showing up when it matters most. On May 4th, News Radio KKOB will begin announcing honorees, with four individuals recognized each weekday, leading up to a culminating event later this summer. KKOB program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “250 Flags is about recognizing the people who don’t always get the spotlight. New Mexico is full of everyday heroes, and this gives us a chance to tell their stories and honor them in a meaningful way.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/7) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Cumulus Media appoints Luis Segura operations manager for its news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington, DC, effective May 4. Program director Bill Hess retired at the end of 2025 after a long time leading the station. Segura was most recently program director for the company’s KSFO,
San Francisco. Cumulus chief content officer Brian Philips says, “Among our strong field of Cumulus programmers, Luis leapt from the pack as the person possessing the energy and imagination to lead WMAL. Luis visualizes the multi-dimensional future of this big brand. The immense benefit of keeping Luis ‘in house’ is that he will continue to offer expert counsel to our revitalized operations in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as needed.” Segura says, “I’m incredibly excited to work with the legendary staff of Cumulus’ flagship news/talk. WMAL is packed with national names like Larry O’Connor and Chris Plante, and I can’t wait to join the team.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
In “When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows” (Scribner) cognitive scientist Steven Pinker unpacks a deceptively simple idea: Society runs on common knowledge. Not just what people know individually, but what they know OTHERS know-they-know.
Read that again, aloud. It describes the invisible wiring that drives humans to coordinate, trust, cooperate, and sometimes revolt.
If that sounds abstract, it shouldn’t. Radio and television are the most powerful common knowledge machines ever invented. And in an era when media fragmentation has turned audiences into isolated microtribes, broadcasters who understand Pinker’s point gain a strategic advantage.
Broadcasting creates the “Shared Reality” communities run on
When a radio or TV station says, “Schools are closed,” that’s not just information. It’s a signal that everyone else in town heard the same thing. That shared certainty is what lets a community move in sync. Pinker reckons that this is the essence of coordination: people don’t just act on facts – they act on what they believe others believe.
This is why broadcasters remain indispensable during storms, emergencies, elections, and civic moments. Digital platforms can inform individuals. Only broadcasting can inform everyone at once, and – crucially – make it known that everyone else heard it too.
Trust and legitimacy flow from common knowledge
Pinker notes that institutions derive their authority from shared understanding. Money works because everyone knows everyone else accepts it. Laws work because everyone knows everyone else knows the rules.
Local broadcasters occupy that same psychological space.
A trusted anchor or morning host doesn’t just deliver news – they confer legitimacy. When they say, “Here’s what’s happening,” they’re not merely reporting; they’re establishing the community’s shared frame of reference. In a fragmented media world, that’s gold.
Dueling Realities: FOX News vs MSNow
Inside each bubble, people know what everyone-like-them knows. When national narratives clash, local broadcasters become the last shared reality left.
Local radio and TV, by contrast, still operate in the realm Pinker describes: weather, schools (and EVERYTHING ELSE that triggers a parent’s concern), roads, emergencies, local elections, shared rituals and routines. These are not ideological. They’re lived. Local broadcasters still produce the kind of common knowledge that makes a town function. Cable networks and partisan talk radio produce the kind that makes a tribe feel coherent.
Local broadcasting is still where a community becomes a community.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Health/lifestyle syndicated talk media star and ringside physician, Asa Andrew, M.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Asa) finds himself strategically positioned at the dynamic intersection of radio and wrestling as TNA Wrestling announces a collaboration that will integrate its premium live events, weekly television programming, digital platforms, and fan experiences across iHeartMedia’s formidable audio network. Dr. Asa has achieved 
TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” national prominence for years, originally launching his daily three-hour “The Dr. Asa Show” on its flagship radio affiliate, iHeart’s WLAC, Nashville. Andrew has subsequently and simultaneously returned to his roots as a professional wrestler and recently joined TNA Wrestling as the company’s ringside physician and head of sports medicine.
Andrew tells TALKERS, “I am excited to see these two entertainment and media giants come together. Finally, my two passions are aligning synergistically. TNA Wrestling has seen immense expansion this year as its president Carlos Silva led the company into one of its largest growth periods. This includes a major TV network deal with AMC for our weekly live show, ‘Thursday Night iMPACT!,’ as well as filling up arenas in major cities across America with record breaking crowds. Now – from the radio, TV, and podcast studio to the professional wrestling ring – talk media’s ‘America’s Health Coach’ and professional wrestling’s ‘Ringside Physician’ Dr. Asa has a significant cross-section of his brand in one place.”
As part of the agreement, iHeartMedia will serve as the presenting sponsor of the TNA Wrestling Pay-Per-View Pre-Show for all remaining 2026 premium live events. The integration will feature prominent brand visibility across broadcast graphics, in-arena announcements and event marketing. On TNA’s flagship weekly television program, “Thursday Night iMPACT!,” airing nationally on AMC, and streaming on AMC+ in the U.S., and worldwide on TNA+, iHeartMedia will receive premium broadcast integration including sponsorship of the LED Walkout Ramp, one of the most visually recognizable elements of TNA’s live events and television presentations.
Check out Dr. Asa, the ringside physician, in action
Dr. Asa had to respond a real-life medical emergency during a recent TNA World Championship match in New Orleans between current standard bearer Mike Santana and challenger, “Bulletproof” Steve Maclin. Maclin took a superkick and Santana connected with the left side of his jaw almost knocking him out and delivering an instant concussion (as immediately evaluated by referee Alice Lane). Dr. Asa‘s instincts were equally quick as he was sliding into the ring while referee Lane was throwing up the X sign. That’s when a referee crosses the two forearms to make an X. It signals there is a serious injury and the match needs to pause until a medical doctor can evaluate the wrestler to see if the match is to be stopped or can continue. Dr. Asa made the decision to stop the match, and Maclin was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Thankfully, Maclin only suffered a mild concussion with slight neck pain and spasm. He should be returning to the ring soon once he is medically cleared. To see a video clip of this incident, please click here.
The most discussed stories over the weekend (4/4-5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/30-4/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling Every Damn Night
Sterling on Sunday Syndicated, TMN
Another Side of Midnight, WABC, New York
In 1952, the success formula for today’s radio was discovered and put into practice by two hungry entrepreneurs: Todd Storz and Gordon McLendon. Both men owned dying radio stations in medium and major markets. The industry was suffering from a lack of purpose or solutions due to the advent of television which drove the migration of hit network radio shows to television. Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, and Gertrude Berg were on radio first.
Storz and McLendon developed “Top 40” with their own brains and money. Top 40 was research and focus group based, as well as. Storz tried it first in Omaha, then Kansas City and Miami. McLendon in Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, and New Orleans. The formula was simple but not obvious. Their common-sense solution worked in all formats: music and talk.
Ruth Meyer was Storz’s PD in Kansas City and I worked with her at ABC. She was very clear when outlining the Storz history, “It was all Todd.”
Success ingredients
The formula: Target one demographic. Play their hits – often. Call out the names of as many people in the audience as possible – make the listener a star. Present with enthusiasm. Promote at every local crowd event possible. Repeat.
All of the McLendon and Storz stations grew instantly, usually to number one.
That ingredient list works repeatedly for station after station for decades. But, and here’s the but, all of those ingredients have to be in the recipe. Leave out promotion, for example, or research, and it doesn’t work. But the full ingredient list does work for every single format.
I asked Mickey Luckoff, who ran talker KGO as the number one station in San Francisco for most of our lives, how he selected his on air talk hosts to which he replied, “They all come from top 40 because I can teach them talk but I can’t teach them radio.” His promotions were non-stop and smart, TV campaigns were non-stop and research, yes, research – non-stop!
When Adult Contemporary was evolving, my team was responsible for the NBC FM properties. Corporate finance people who went to Wharton urged me to go slow, layer in expenses when launching this odd new format. I knew layering was a recipe – for failure!!! All the ingredients had to be rolled out at once. In 1981, WYNY in New York had a $2 million dollar cash and a $2 million barter promotion budget. Result, a $3 million profit and a 5 share. Thanks to PD Pete Salant and GM Al Brady Law. We used the Storz/McLendon recipe with AC music and Dr. Ruth, it obviously works.
WGMS-FM was a classical station in Washington, DC. When it was owned by RKO and run by visionary Jerry Lyman, it applied the Storz/McLendon recipe to classical music. Their promos announced that WGMS played “Real Oldies – Your favorites from the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s!” WGMS aired a tight playlist of hits. Special weekends were popular, such as a “Beethoven Weekend” with t-shirt giveaways. The station was a profit monster, top 10 in Washington DC.
Five years ago, WABC-AM was about 28th in NYC as a result of cutting costs, by god the cost cutting was epic and so was the failure. Today, John Catsimatidis, the owner, and Chad Lopez, the president, have grown the station to a 4 share and number eight in New York. An AM talk station, number eight and growing. What? How? They put in all the ingredients. The station is data driven. The talent is live. External paid ads run for WABC almost every single day. The air team goes to local events to meet the crowds. WABC airs live listener music requests and dedications on the weekend with Cousin Bruce Morrow and Joe Piscopo – live. Did I mention live?
Today not history
The team is happy. They are making radio. This isn’t nostalgia. Mr. Cats is a very current based businessman who expects results. Like Storz and McLendon he is an entrepreneur, a private owner deploying common sense. He’s doing what is proven, what works. Bravo.
Conclusion: There is nothing wrong with radio. Just stop. Include every ingredient in the proven recipe; expect stunning results.
Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many others. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He recently began hosting “Another Side of Midnight” weekends on WABC, New York. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com or phoned at 646-678-1110.
Cumulus Media appoints Joyce Wirthlin vice president/market manager for its Salt Lake City station group that includes news/talk KKAT-AM and four music brands plus its digital marketing services for local advertisers. Wirthlin most recently served as market president for iHeartMedia’s Salt Lake City operations. Cumulus Media president of operations Dave
Milner comments, “Joyce is an experienced market leader with deep relationships across Salt Lake City, enabling her to bring sharp local insight and credibility to every client partnership. She excels at delivering integrated marketing solutions, helping clients leverage our multi-platform strategies that maximize the combined power of audio and digital to drive results. Joyce will be a tremendous asset to our Salt Lake City team and a growth catalyst for our clients.”
In a memo to staffers, Skyview Networks president and CEO Steve Jones announces that he has completed the acquisition of the company and is the new owner, effective immediately. He writes: “This transition further strengthens long-term direction and focus that ensures continuity. Our leadership team will continue exemplifying our company values, and our day-to-day priorities remain centered on client outcomes, operational excellence and teamwork. It is also important to recognize Ken Thiele,
who founded the company 30 years ago.” Thiele’s message to staff was: “First and foremost, I want to thank you all. Skyview Networks exists, and is respected across the industry, because of the talent, grit and customer commitment each of you bring every day. Since joining Skyview Networks, Steve has expanded our business portfolio and led with a steady focus on growth and stability. It is with this confidence in leadership that Skyview’s trajectory and momentum continues.” Jones adds, “On a personal note, I am proud of the team that has built and sustained Skyview Networks’ reputation across the industry. This company is special because of you. Serving as the leader of Skyview Networks is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am committed to continue leading with transparency, respect and a long‑term focus on our people and business.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
iHeartMedia announces that Jamie Cutburth is named executive vice president of marketing. Cutburth most recently was EVP of marketing & brand partnerships for NBCUniversal. iHeartMedia chief business officer Lisa Coffey states, “As we continue to expand iHeart’s unique multi
-platform footprint, we’re thrilled to welcome Jamie and his decades of expertise in driving meaningful success for blue chip media companies. Jamie swings big, experiences that inspire action, drive growth and leave lasting impressions on the audience. He will fit right in as our team continues to push innovative ideas at the leading edge of the industry.” Cutburth says, “My role sits at the intersection between brand, revenue, content and culture, and will ensure that iHeart shows up in the market with a clear story and a modern marketing engine. I am excited to bring my years of building successful partnerships and experiences to this team and to a company so clearly focused on innovation and growth.”